Sale boss Steve Diamond believes victory in Saturday's LV Cup clash with Scarlets can help to kick-start the Sharks’ bid to avoid relegation out of the Premiership.

The Sharks will play host to the Llanelli side at Barton knowing a victory could help put one foot into the semi-finals of a tournament better known as the Anglo-Welsh Cup.

It would then set up a titantic final group game at Wasps next Saturday with a place in the last four within touching distance for Diamond’s side.

And the Sharks director of rugby believes the knock-on effect of two positive Cup results could do wonders for the club ahead of what promises to be a make or break February in terms of determining Sale’s top flight survival hopes.

“The Scarlets clash is a big game for the club and to progress we’ve got to win and then look to get a result down at Wasps in a week’s time,” Diamond declared.

“We’ll have a full strength side out on Saturday. As I say, we want to reach the semi-finals but we also want to kick on and try and build some momentum for the resumption of the Premiership next month.

“The lads are keen to progress in the Cup and then we go into what we know will be a crucial four week block of league games which is when our real and bread and butter starts and we are all looking forward to it.”

To that end, Diamond has selected a powerful looking squad with former Scarlets star Dwayne Peel back at scrum half after injury.

Scottish duo Alasdair Dickinson and Richie Vernon are also selected ahead of the onset of the Six Nations next week while recent recruit Dan Braid is named at blindside flanker with skipper David Seymour retaining the number seven shirt.

With Australian Test star Cameron Shepherd retained at full-back, Rob Miller again shows his versatility by being deployed at winger, a week after the regular number fifteen operated at fly-half in Sale’s Heineken Cup farewell at Cardiff.

Diamond has also selected a formidable replacements bench which sees the welcome return of England Saxons prop Henry Thomas after more three months out following ankle surgery.